Vol. 12, Special Issue 10 (2023)

The global urban waste crisis, driven by the urbanization process, poses many challenges, causing pollution and health risks. Inadequate waste management depletes resources and contributes to climate change. Microbial enrichment in composting aligns with circular economy and sustainable agriculture, accelerating decomposition. The present study was undertaken in 2022 at UAS, GKVK campus, Bangalore to examine urban solid waste compost properties before and after microbial consortium enrichment.

Enriched USWC exhibited enhanced water-holding capacity and reduced pH. After enrichment, soluble salt content rose, while initial organic carbon, C: N ratio, calcium, and magnesium levels were decreased. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium were increased. Sulfur content rose, micronutrient concentrations nearly remained the same after enrichment, while heavy metals (Ni, Pb, Cr) exhibited minimal changes.